Local Knowledge

From big-game fishing in Bimini - one of Hemingway's favourite haunts, to the 'Nantucket of the Caribbean' that is Eleuthera and Harbour Island; of the 700 islands that make up The Bahamas, only 30 are inhabited and each one serves up something a little different from the next. The tropical metropolises – Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Paradise Island, offer beautiful posh accommodations, exclusive restaurants, trendy bars, beautiful beaches and a buzzing nightlife. The footprint-free utopia of Mayaguana; the colonial charm of the Abacos, also named “the boating capital of the world"; and The Exumas, noted playground of the rich and famous which also boasts the clearest water in the region. Easy to get to and offering so much to choose from, it's hard to know where to start your Bahamian adventure; add to that the approximately 2,400 cays that dot these waters, and you've got yourself a true Caribbean wonderland brimming with possibilities for adventure and fun.

Things to Know

• Accepted Currency: Bahamian Dollar ($)
• Capital: Nassau
• Airports: In Freeport: Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) In Great Exuma: Exuma International Airport - George Town (GGT) In Nassau: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
• Language(s) in Use: English
• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
• Dialing (Country Code): +242
• Climate in General: The islands of Bahamas welcome the cooling Atlantic trade winds, which make for agreeable weather year round. It is normal to receive temperatures between 27°C - 30°C throughout the summer and a range of mid - 20's throughout the rest of the year

Celebration

While the bigger islands are home to more posh resorts and larger venues capable of hosting the grandest of weddings and other celebrations, the many smaller islands can also host breathtaking ceremonies or events on a more intimate scale that will be just as memorable. Bachelor/bachelorette parties are also popular in the Bahamas, as the islands provide the lively nightlife that will present a great time for any large or small group.

If you are travelling to Nassau and Paradise Island to celebrate the holidays, be sure to check out the Junkanoo festivities. A celebration of Bahamian culture, complete with a parade of brightly coloured costumes, energetic dancing and loud music; Junkanoo occurs every year on Dec. 26th and Jan. 1st. If you plan to attend, be prepared for an early morning; the parade begins in the wee hours of the morning at 2am and lasts until sunrise.

Dining & Nightlife

The fine dining options offered in Bahamas are abundant featuring renowned chefs who flock to the Bahamas to create dazzling dishes for esteemed clientele. No matter which island you choose, you'll have no problem finding sophisticated, worldly delicacies, that utilize the islands' freshest ingredients coupled with creative flair.

As far as nightlife goes, the Bahamas comes alive when the moon and stars light up the night sky. You can easily find quaint bars serving up traditional island music such as Reggae and Soca, as well as lively nightclubs on the bigger islands, and everything in between. The nightlife here is also varied; from casino thrills to relaxed bonfire parties on the beach.

Activities & Attractions

Underwater aquatic activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling are very popular in the Bahamas, and it's no wonder why… between the sunken Spanish galleons, the famed lost blue holes, underwater caves, forest-like coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life and even adrenaline pumping swims with reef sharks; here is no shortage of dive experiences to be had. With an area that claims five percent of the world's reefs, the Bahamas is easily the most complete diving destination in the world.

On land, depending on your tastes, the options are just as varied. At the southern end of the chain lies the island of Inagua – a birdwatcher's paradise, home to 140 species of birds, including more than 80,000 flamingos. While Andros, an eco-tourism sanctuary and the destination in the Bahamas for nature lovers, is home to the largest protected park system in the country.

Stay on one island or venture off! In the Bahamas it is easy to arrange your own private tour of the islands with a private plane or boat charter. For those taking to the skies, it should be noted that no air adventure is complete without a trip over Long Island. The stunning aerial views of the reefs here will remain in your heart for a long time.

Renowned For

Bahamas' beaches are recognized as some of the best in the world, with perhaps the most famous of which being Treasure Cay Beach in The Abacos. Recently voted as one of the best in the region by Caribbean Travel & Life, it is a truly breathtaking stretch of sand. Others that have received praise are Gold Rock Beach on Grand Bahama Island, Cape Santa Maria Bach on Long Island and Harbour Island Beach. If on the off-chance your choice of beach is too crowded, simply hop aboard a catamaran or rent a paddle board and head over to some nearby uninhabited cay and lay your towel there for awhile. So what are you waiting for? The powdery, white and in some areas, pink sand beneath your toes beckons.